North, South teams getting ready

The 31st annual Lions All-Star Game is set for Saturday at Oroville’s Harrison Stadium and so far the smoky skies have dissipated enough for both the North and South squad to get in some intense practices this week.

The South, under head coach Dan Henry of Champion Christian, has been practicing at Chico High School while the North, under the guidance of Bryon Hamilton of Foothill, has been working out at Shasta College in Redding.

The North leads the overall series 16-13-1, but the South won last year’s game. Both teams are hoping to put on a good showing Saturday and a number of Tri-County area athletes should figure into the final result.

In the South, Michael Barber of Pierce has found a spot as one of the team’s receivers. An all-around athlete, Barber bounced around from receiver, to quarterback to running back during his years on the Pierce varsity. He will also see some time as a defensive back for the South.

Diego Velazquez of Williams, a late addition to the team, has found a starting spot at strong safety. The heavy-hitting former Yellowjacket was an all-section pick at the position last year.

Velazquez’s teammate, Giovanni Muniz, will likely rotate at guard on offense and will see time on the defensive line for the South.

Kent Thayer of Willows will see time at running back and linebacker.

The South team is led by running backs Adam McCleary of Wheatland who ran for 2,028 yards last year, James Fox of Live Oak, who ran for 1,4,87 yards, and Alex Daddow of East Nicolaus, who ran for 1,468.

In the North, Craig Lohse of Hamilton, who ran for 1,793 yards last year for the 13-0 Braves, figures to be one of the feature backs along with Lassen’s Josh Baum, who ran for 1,387 yards.

Corning’s Ben Osborn will likely see time at center where he is sharing snapping duties with Modoc’s Jacob Kettler.

Hamilton’s Jamisson Parker has been moved to tight end. Coach Hamilton’s system often employs two tight ends, which could enable to Parker to see extended playing time.

Mercy’s Clint Raschke should see time on the line for the North while Kyle Ferry of Orland will see time in the backfield.

The North is led by the tandem of Cole and Kyle Johnston of Foothill. Cole was an all-Northern Section quarterback two years in a row after leading the Cougars to a section champion and an undefeated season in 2007. Kyle was also a two-time all-section player and won section offensive MVP honors last year.

Tickets for the Lion’s Game can be purchased at the Body Works in Willows.